5 Helpful Tips for Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage

Winter is coming! As winter slowly approaches with all its coldness and shivers, we must be ready to defend ourselves and our boats. One of the best ways to protect our boats from the harsh winter weather is to use a storage facility. More specifically, inside boat storage, storing your boat inside is definitely one of the best ways to help protect your boat from the cold weather. Now before any misunderstandings arise, I would like to note something. I’m not saying that when winter rolls around to just dump your boat at a storage facility with absolute certainty that’ll be completely fine. What I am saying is that before you store your precious boat at a storage facility, there should be a checklist you should complete before the storage. This’ll help prepare your boat for the long winters so when spring rolls around it’ll be in tip-top shape. So what could possibly be on the checklist you might ask? Here is a list of 5 important must-dos to help protect your boat for winter storage.

1.) Thoroughly Clean Your Boat Inside and Outside

This may seem like a no-brainer but this simple task is often disregarded. Most people do a pretty great job cleaning the outside of the boat after taking it into the water and back into storage. By a good job I mean most people wash the topside, bottom, and deck with a coat of wax. However, people typically forget about the inside of the boat. I’m talking about the propellers, engine and other important components such as the fiberglass in fiberglass boats. Additionally, don’t forget to clean the widescreens as well as well as spray hoods. Once you completed your boat cleaning, it’s important to make sure your boat is one hundred percent dry before storing it. A boat that’s been properly cleaned will help keep dirt and corrosion from occurring.

2.) Flush the Cooling System

Thoroughly flush the engine with fresh water to remove any excess salt, dirt, and corrosion. This specifically rings true for both inboard and outboard boats with raw water cooling systems. Depending on the climate you’re currently living in, you should invest in anti-freeze. If so, you can run anti-freeze into the cooling system by attaching a pickup hose from a container of anti-freeze to the motor’s water pump.

3.) Double Check the Little Things

One of the most overlooked tasks are the little things, the small components that we often pay little to no attention to. I’m talking about the nuts and bolts of the boat. Though they may be small they are critical components of the overall health of your boat. On sterndrive boats, for example, make sure to apply marine grease to the fittings on the gimbal bearing and engine coupler. Now go around your entire boat and lightly apply moisture displacing lubricant to the myriad moving metal parts onboard such as hinges, latches, push-pull switches, ratchet mounts, bow rollers, and linkages. For boats on trailers, this is the ideal time to grease the trailer wheel bearings using quality grease. If you haven’t done it yet, definitely mark this as a must-do. Additionally, if you haven’t already, pull and inspect the wheel bearings for wear and water intrusion and replace if necessary. Last little things to double check are the propeller. Remove the propeller to inspect for fishing line and shaft seal damage, then coat the propeller shaft with quality water resistant grease.

4.) Perform a Health Check-Up on Your Boat

Ensure your boat is in tip-top shape by performing a thorough inspection. Every end-of-season winter storage checklist should include a routine health check-up. This includes changing the engine oil and the oil filter on the stern drive, both inbound and outboard engines. This could easily be done after the engine is slightly warmed up to help flush out sediment and impurities with the discarded oil. Once completed, you’ll then move on to refilling the engine with the appropriate oil based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Moving along we’ll be draining and refilling your boat’s outdrive gear case or outboard lower unit. The reason behind his simple task is to prevent any water or impurities from freezing in cold water and causing damage to the insides of your boat. When draining, be on the lookout for water intrusion which usually causes the gear oil to look milky and discolored. If moisture is present, this is a clear indication that there’s a leaking seal that needs to be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

5.) Cover Your Boat

The best protection option for your boat is to store your boat in an enclosed, climate-controlled facility. Now that’s top of the line protection for your boat. However, these options are best utilized depending on the kind of climate you’re in. If for example, live in a cold windy state with snowfall, and then an enclosed storage may be a better option than an outdoor storage. With that said, there are other options available to help protect your boat such as a good cover which will be the first line of defense against the elements. Now there is one thing to note if you plan on going with an outdoor storage unit and that’s to prop up the cover to prevent water from pooling in low spots. You may also want to park your boat under a good protective canopy to minimize the exposure to the elements.

These helpful tips will prepare your boat for the upcoming winter. If you’re planning on storing your boat at a storage facility, it’s important to think about whether or not the storage facility can provide the necessary protection for your boat. Here at Agua Dulce Storage, we specialize in boat storage and we also understand the necessary measures needed for secure boat storage. Agua Dulce Storage is one of the best boat storages in Agua Dulce, California. To learn more about our storage facility, please check out our website at https://aguadulcestorage.com/ today!

Agua Dulce Storage | 11715 Davenport Rd. Agua Dulce, CA 91390 United States

Top 3 Boating Activities this Season – More Ways to Have Fun Boating

Autumn is finally here! It’s about that time we back out our Boats from our Self-Storage and into the waters! What better time than now when the season is transitioning from summer to autumn! The thought of the warm summer winds shifting to a cooler autumn breeze. Ah yes, the perfect time is definitely now! What better place to feel the seasonal weather change that’s taking place right now than in the sea! That’s right! Take advantage of this moment and take your boat out into the waters before winter comes! There’s so many activities that you and your friends and even family can do when you’re out boating! Check out these 3 exciting activities you can do while boating!

Hold On Tight For Watersports!

Let’s be honest here — it’s pretty fun just being on a boat, relaxing and cruising across the waters while enjoying the breeze and scenery. Yep, being on a boat is definitely fun, but being behind the boat can be even more fun! Hang on tight and let the boat do all the work, while you skim along the water on the latest towable! There’s also the option of inflatables which are the easy choice, a one-size-fits-all, that don’t require any athletic skill or balance. Just give a heads up to your responsible driver of how fast you would like them to go. But if you’re interested in a greater challenge, we highly recommend waterskiing and wakeboarding! Those are very popular, difficult and challenging. It’ll enable the rider the ability to zip in and out of the water and even catch some air!

Be Patient and Cast Your Fishing Line

Casting right into it, before anyone has the chance to comment about fishing. I’d like to address the fact that fishing, although may take some time to land a catch it’s actually really fun just waiting for the catch. Imagine yourself on a boat with your friends and family with your line cast out into the waters. You guys can enjoy each other’s company by catching up, playing another side game, eat & drink together and so much more! All the while, you guys are waiting for a catch and when that catch finally happens, it’ll only add on to the excitement you were already having! In other words the catch is an added bonus of excitement in your day! Yep! You don’t need a dedicated fishing boat to go fishing! Fishing can be done from any boat and it requires minimal equipment. All you would need is a fishing rod, bait or lure and a cooler to store your catches. Just don’t forget your fishing license! Before you venture into the waters and start fishing, be sure to double check your state’s fish and wildlife agency or department of natural resources before casting your line!

Go On a New Adventure: Coving

Every lake, river or waterway has a cove or two with some being particularly more well-known and popular than others. With that said, these particular cove spots provide a gathering place where fellow boaters band together. These coves are a great place to socialize with fellow boaters or just have a relaxing time enjoying the view. What’s better way to spend this amazing water adventure than relaxing at the cove with your friends and family! This may even become a new usual spot for you guys and maybe even an annual gathering location! Keep in mind that there are usually a couple coves out there and each one different than the next, so find one that fits you and join in on the fun! Gather your friends and family for an excursion by venturing to these beautiful coves near you! Adventure is waiting and there are some adventures that are exclusively for those with boats! That’s right! That means you! So get out there today!

Agua Dulce Storage | 11715 Davenport Road Agua Dulce, California 91390 United States

After an incredible day out in the water, it’s about that time to take your boat out of the water. Before you do so, it’s advised to properly clean the boat by rinsing the dirt and residue from the boat to help preserve its longevity. When all is said and done, your boat is now ready to get back into your Self-Storage facility, where it’ll be safely kept and stored until the next outing. For your boat’s storage needs near Agua Dulce, California come on down to Agua Dulce Storage. We have a wide selection of boat storage parking for you! Rent or reserve online today at our Agua Dulce Storage facility today! Call us at 661-268-0407 for additional information or visit our website at https://aguadulcestorage.com/ now!

Summer 2017 Water Activities While Boating

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to take your boat out for a ride (if you haven’t done so already!). Take your boat out of self-storage to the nearest body of water for some good summer fun. There are so many water activities that you and your family or friends can do while boating. Especially if one person prefers to fish and another prefers to swim, there are so many activities that you can do while boating to keep everyone entertained for the day. Here is a list of recommended water activities to do while boating this summer.

Snorkeling

This is a great way to explore the sea while exercising! Take your boat out off the coast line and begin your snorkeling adventures alongside the various sea creatures below. Allow your inner adventurer out while snorkeling and see the wonders of the ocean. To document and share your adventure with your friends and family take a waterproof camera with you to capture experience under the sea. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to make a new ocean friend or better yet you might even find Nemo and maybe even Dory.

Swimming

Take a dip into still water to cool off! If you are boating on a lake and the current is still and safe, we recommend jumping in! Swimming in a lake or the ocean will keep you cool and if you do swimming laps around your boat, you will get a good cardio exercise! If you are boating in the ocean, make sure there are no dangers of sharks in the water and if the waters appear safe, you can jump on in for some swimming fun.

Tubing

If you want to go out onto the waters but don’t want to submerge yourself completely, tie a water tube to your boat and enjoy the drifting around under the sun. Water tubes will keep you cool while you bask in the sun and float atop the waters. They are inflatable water apparatuses that come in all shapes and sizes, including the donut rings and chairs. Whatever your preference, you can always tie a string from the boat to your floating apparatus so you don’t float too far away from the boat.

Water Skiing

If you have a boat with the horsepower h2 enough, you could water ski out on the waters. You just need the power to pull someone up and keep the speed manageable for the rider. Many 24’ boats are fast enough to pull a skier behind them, though the acceleration might be slow at first. Lighter and smaller boats tend to accelerate faster, so a boat smaller than 24’ would work for water skiing. Water skiing equipment can be found at your local sporting store or you can find all of the equipment online.

Fishing

Fishing is always a great activity to do while boating, especially if certain family members or friends prefer fishing over the other water activities mentioned. You can catch your dinner fishing or simply enjoy the sun while you wait for a bite. There are some people who enjoy catching fish as a game while others catch fish for fun by returning them back into the waters. Whatever your preference, know that fishing is a great way to pass the time while boating. Just be sure your friends and family isn’t in the waters when you’re trying to score a bite. With that said apply lots of sun screen and stay hydrated while you do so!

CLEANING UP THE BOAT

After a fun filled day under the sun it’s about that time to take your boat out of the water. You will want to clean the hull and windows before parking your boat in storage. Cleaning up the dirt and residue will help preserve your boat and help keep it in good condition. Remember to wipe down the hull and windows with a mixture of water and dishwater soap or you can use a microfiber rag to wipe down the boat. Just remember however you choose to clean your boat is entirely up to you but we can all agree that wiping away excess mud and gunk will help prolong the beauty of the hull.

STORE YOUR BOAT AT AGUA DULCE STORAGE IN AGUA DULCE, CALIFORNIA

With your boat clean, you are now ready for storage! To further protect your boat from the weathered elements, cover it with a boat cover and place it into a protected storage. Storing your boat will keep it safe and secure until the next time. For your boat storage needs near Agua Dulce, California come on by to Agua Dulce Storage. We have the right boat storage space for you! Rent or Reserve online today or call us for additional information at 1-661-268-0407.

Extra, Extra! Storage Containers Offer Spacious Options When You Don’t Have Room At Home or Business

Let’s face it, we all wish we had extra room. To have less clutter at home, to store extra furniture, or to be more efficient by organizing business equipment to make your living space, well, more livable! Until you renovate, get a bigger home or move into an office space, there is a more affordable option to get that extra storage room without having to relocate!

Storage Container to Store Content of an Apartment or Home

Did you know that a 8′ x 21′ storage container can fit the entire contents of a typical two-bedroom apartment or small home? And yes, that includes major appliances such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator and furniture like a mattress and a couch! Depending on the size of your furniture and your packing skills, you may
also fit in an heirloom piece like a grandfather clock or couple of antique chests and cabinets.

A generously-sized space, a 8×21 storage container is ideal for storing needs in-between moves that will require renting a space for a month or longer. It is also a convenient solution for businesses that have out grown their current storage capacity or are home-based requiring a more efficient way to organize and access their business equipment.

Affordable Storage Solutions for Businesses

Considered a practical option, a 8×21 storage container offers a quick and easily accessible option for businesses to store extra supplies, boxes of paperwork, or bulky equipment. From home-based event planners to contractors who service a wide service area, vendors enjoy the convenience of having a centrally located space that is manageable in terms of organizing and rental rates.

Space for Event & Party Supplies

Event vendors have to keep up with the latest fads. Which means their list of supplies is always growing. Inflatable fun like bounce houses, Chiavari Chairs, large circular banquet tables, or centerpiece vases with elaborate fillers to decorate a large venue take up a lot of space but are also the key pieces of a party planners business. A good sized storage unit can be used to categorize and better manage the collection of themed decorations. Expensive and fragile items like the versatile glass vases that are used for so many different events can be securely stored without the risk of damage that often worries the budget-conscious planner working with highly sensitive brides. Additionally, a storage facility near their most frequented venues can cut down a lot of time, energy and stress when things don’t go as planned and a quick backup is needed.

Vending Machine Equipment Storage

Local suppliers such as vending machine equipment providers deal with large, heavy equipment. Unsold machines and extra servicing parts can be stored in a 8 by 21 storage container and moved easier into trucks for delivery from storage facilities that have drive-up access. There is also the added benefit of peace of mind when choosing a storage facility that is equipped with additional security options like 24/7 video surveillance or individual unit alarms and alerts so that your expensive machines are not easy vandalism targets.

Business File Storage

Every business has years of records and paperwork that needs to be stored. Even with the expanding need to go paperless, many businesses know how crucial having hard copies of important agreements can be in potential legal proceedings or if their company computers are hacked or infected with a virus. While the need to access these documents is unlikely, if the need does arise, being able to dig up a file in 7 years of storage boxes can become a costly and time consuming task. Storage units are a simple way to place these boxes sorted by year. Businesses can use the space to create a system of discarding older files as they replace them with more recent year documents.

Photo and Video Storage

Backdrops, photo booths, set furniture, studio props, lighting equipment and camera stands are all part of the creative workings of a photographer or videographer. For professionals who spend so much time on the road between events or shoots, being able to quickly provide a large selection of options to their clients means a better chance of securing a contract.

Storing Surplus Inventory

Keeping up with demands with on-hand inventory can be daunting, especially with unpredictable customer preferences. Storing additional inventory by stocking up gives owners and managers the leeway to purchase supplies in the off-season (often times at lower prices!) in preparation for their peak season demands.

Storage Containers in Agua Dulce, California

Getting that extra room at home may not be a practical option. Renting a storage container that fits the content of a small home or large apartment is possible! If looking for a facility centrally located in Santa Clarita, a 8×21 storage container at Agua Dulce Storage is currently renting at approximately $179 per month. To tour all storage unit options and to check on current space availability, rental rates, and promotions, contact an office manager at (661) 268-0407 or visit the storage facility website.